I am installing an eighty amp subpanel. I have 75 feet of 2-2-2-2/4 aluminum SER cable. Does the code to prohibit cutting one of the #2 wires short of both panels and using the cable as a feed to the subpanel? If not to the it will save me $150.00. Thank you for your responses in advance.
Bruce
Replies
Where are you using it.
Sub-panels in a structure require a 4 wire feed and an isolated neutral bus bar.
For detacheed builidngs you have the option of using a 4 wire feed. In some locals and if there is an another metalic path between the buildings you must use a 4 wire feed.
"2-2-2-2/4"
I am not sure what that means.
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
The sunpanel is in a master bedroom/bath addition. It will be fed through an unfinished basement and into a utility closet in the addition. Cable is a 4 #2 wire with a bare ground (#4). So I have 4 insulated size 2 wires (XHHW-2 insulation) plus 1 uninsulated size 4 wires wrapped in a jacket. Cable type is SER. So the question is: If I have 1 more insulated wire in the cable than is necessary, is it still legal to use the cable?
Thanks again,
Bruce
Edited 2/8/2007 6:38 pm ET by epoxybreath
So you have cable for a 3-phase subpanel and you want to use it for a 240V subpanel.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
Yes, That's it exactly.
Bruce
Personally, I think it should be fine. But explain it to your inspector first, that's the only opinion that matters.
-- J.S.
Having an extra wire in service entrance cable isn't any different then having extra wires in conduit. It needs to be installed in such a manner that the extra wire does not become energized.
NEC 240.24 d states overcurrent devices cannot be installed in the vicinity of easily ignitable materials, such as clothes closets. You need to take a hard look at the space you are putting it in and make sure it can't be called a clothes closet [and you need to allow adequate clearances and accesability.
I rather cut the #4 and use the other 2 as a ground.
No problem on the clearences, 36"+ in front etc. Closet holds Electric panel, water heater. All fire code provisions observed. They are a strict bunch in this neck of the woods. All new homes, (not additions yet) get sprinklers. Thanks for the Help,
Bruce
The other question I have is why 80 amps, that 2 pole breaker will cost you a bunch compared to a 60 or 70. It might even be more then a 2 pole 100 amp. I'm not completely sure but #2 xhhw in cable at 75cent. is rated 115 amps.
He said that it is AL.#2 AL is rated for 90 amps..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Ya know I saw that and then at some later point my brain tried to work like my boss's and crucial information was lost ....
I don't see why you can't use it.You can always have a spare wire..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I don't see why either, but in my experience the NEC and inspectors interpretations of said text are funny things, so I thought I might reach out for an opinion or 2.
Thanks for the comeback, Bruce
The subpanel is going to go in a utility closet? That may not fly with the inspector, depending on what you mean by utility closet...Article 240-24 of the NEC says "overcurrent devices shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitible material, such as clothes closets." If this doesn't apply, make sure you meet the requirements for working access to the panel.